How do I get her to stay in bed?

[CitrusZest]

DD1 who is 5, is awful at staying in bed and going to sleep. She comes to the top of the stairs for a cuddle/drink/medicine for a sudden ailment etc at least three times. I've tried explaining, bribing, getting cross, refusing to go up. When I do go up, her room's a mess because she's been playing with toys and has pulled everything out.

I'm so fed up and shattered. Help!

You are me and my DD1, my DD is also 5 and we have the same issues, she has never been a sleeper but the last 3 months have got worse, she is up likes yours, numerous times with different excuses, every night I ensure everything is prepared, like her drink, bed socks, blanket, teddies, last wee, anything but she still finds something, tonight it was itchy skin! Then when she finally goes, at about 1am, she is in our bed, so me or my DP end up sleeping in her bed.
I do find myself crying sometimes in the night, as it always disturbes her sister, then it is even worse, I can't get back to sleep, then I am shattered the next day.
She asked for a diary for Xmas! So I thought this would be great for clearing her head at night but no!
Hope you don't mind me putting in!

Butting not putting!

It's so frustrating - and knackering. I'm finding it hard to remain patient. Like you, my DD falls asleep late and ends up in my bed.